That won’t wash.
A judge in Michigan attempted to have Walmart shoplifters work off their debt by washing cars — but was stopped by a higher-ranking judge, according to a report.
Judge Jerry Clothier of Genesee County’s 67th District Court came up with a creative solution for as many as 100 shoplifters caught stealing from a local Walmart to make restitution to the community — conscripting them into washing cars for free, WTOP reported.
Clothier said the plan for ‘Walmart Washes’ had the endorsement of store managers at the Grand Blanc Township Walmart, a punishment the recently elected judge concocted last month.
“I don’t think everybody that steals is a bad person. Sometimes people are just down on their luck,” Clothier told the Associated Press, in Feb., adding, “But there’s going to be consequences when you break the law.”
Officials at Walmart headquarters even gave the ‘ok’ but said the car wash could not be offered on store property.
However, the creative plan was shot down by a more senior judge on Saturday.
Jeffrey Clothier for 67th District Judge/Facebook
Chief Judge William Crawford II overruled Clothier, who was elected in January, stating that approval for the unusual punishment should have been sought before the sudsy sentences were meted out.
“This is especially true where the proposed alternative punishment deviates from the usual and accepted methods,” Crawford said in a statement Friday, adding, “‘Walmart Washes’ will not be taking place as reported.”
Ahmed – stock.adobe.com
The recently elected Clothier was upset by the ruling, according to local reports.
“I’m frustrated,” Clothier said, according to KMBC. “I’m still going to try and come up with a creative way to solve this problem.”
“I had 37 new Walmart theft offenses two days ago. In the last month, it’s been well over 100.”
Clothier said he will continue to order community service for those caught stealing at the superstore.
